'New MERA’ Launched For 12-Volt Industry

After finalizing contracts, the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association (MERA) has been officially purchased by InstallerNet, and its name has been changed slightly to the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association, now referred to as the “new MERA.”

As reported in August, MERA is now a for-profit wholly owned subsidiary of InstallerNet, and approximately 2,000 InstallerNet retailers will become MERA members, enlarging the organization whose membership had dwindled down to 135 active retail members, from more than 600 at one point.

InstallerNet president and CEO Tony Frangiosa said the new MERA will announce several initiatives at the upcoming SEMA show on Nov. 4.

On a conference call in late October, MERA executive director Barry Vogel said a key goal of the new organization is to engage members and elicit their active participation. A Web site, called http://buildyourmera.com will help in this effort, allowing retailers to input information and feedback.

Frangiosa also said the new MERA will play a key sponsorship role in the 12-volt awareness campaign.